US20060088368A1 - Foldable frame with a locking device - Google Patents
Foldable frame with a locking device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060088368A1 US20060088368A1 US10/972,330 US97233004A US2006088368A1 US 20060088368 A1 US20060088368 A1 US 20060088368A1 US 97233004 A US97233004 A US 97233004A US 2006088368 A1 US2006088368 A1 US 2006088368A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bars
- sleeve
- bar
- foldable frame
- juncture
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B7/00—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators
- B62B7/04—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor
- B62B7/06—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor collapsible or foldable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
- A47C4/04—Folding chairs with inflexible seats
- A47C4/18—Folding chairs with inflexible seats having a frame made of metal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
- A47C4/28—Folding chairs with flexible coverings for the seat or back elements
- A47C4/283—Folding chairs with flexible coverings for the seat or back elements foldable side to side only
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
- A47C4/28—Folding chairs with flexible coverings for the seat or back elements
- A47C4/42—Folding chairs with flexible coverings for the seat or back elements having a frame made of metal
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2205/00—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use
- B62B2205/02—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use foldable widthwise
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2205/00—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use
- B62B2205/20—Catches; Locking or releasing an articulation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2205/00—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use
- B62B2205/20—Catches; Locking or releasing an articulation
- B62B2205/22—Catches; Locking or releasing an articulation remotely controlled, e.g. from the handlebar
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
- B62B9/20—Handle bars; Handles
- B62B9/206—Handle bars; Handles with two separate bars, i.e. not interconnected
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
Definitions
- the invention relates to a foldable frame, more particularly to a foldable frame with a locking device that can prevent inadvertent folding of the frame and that can be easily and safely operated so as to facilitate folding and unfolding of the frame.
- a plurality of locking units have been developed to facilitate folding and unfolding of a frame body, such as that used for a table, a chair, an infant stroller, etc.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame with a locking device that is convenient and safe to use, and effective in operation.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame with a locking device that can prevent inadvertent folding of the frame.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a stroller which is safe and convenient to use.
- a foldable frame comprises first and second support rods which are spaced apart from each other, a first bar having a first end connected pivotally to the first support rod and a second end opposite to the first end, a second bar having a first end connected pivotally to the second support rod and a second end connected pivotally to the second end of the first bar, a sleeve disposed slidably around the first bar, and a control unit.
- the first and second bars are connected pivotally to each other so as to be folded or unfolded.
- the sleeve is movable to a juncture of the first and second bars when the first and second bars are unfolded so as to limit relative movement between the first and second bars.
- the control unit has a cable connected to the sleeve for pulling the sleeve away from the juncture of the first and second bars so that the first and second bars can be folded.
- a locking device is adapted to be mounted on a foldable frame which has first and second support rods.
- the locking device comprises a first bar having a first end adapted to be connected pivotally to the first support rod and a second end opposite to the first end, a second bar having a first end adapted to be connected pivotally to the second support rod and a second end connected pivotally to the second end of the first bar, a sleeve mounted slidably on the first bar, and a control unit.
- the first and second bars are movable relative to each other so as to be folded or unfolded.
- the sleeve is sleeved slidably on the first bar, and is capable of extending toward a juncture of the first and second bars when the first and second bars are unfolded so as to limit relative movement between the first and second bars.
- the control unit has a manually operable cable connected to the sleeve for pulling the sleeve away from the juncture of the first and second bars so that the first and second bars can be folded.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a foldable frame according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a locking device of the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the locking device in an assembled state
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a control unit of the locking device
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic view of the frame in a folded state
- FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 , but illustrating the frame in a fully unfolded state
- FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 , but illustrating the frame in an initially expanded state
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 , but illustrating a sleeve of the locking device in a state pulled away from a juncture of first and second bars.
- a foldable frame 900 is shown to comprise first and second support rods 91 , 92 , and a pair of intersecting links 19 , and incorporates a locking device 100 embodying the present invention.
- the foldable frame 900 exemplified in this embodiment is a foldable frame used in an infant stroller.
- the locking device of the present invention may also be used in a foldable frame for a table, a chair, a bed assembly, etc.
- the first and second support rods 91 , 92 in this embodiment are spaced apart from and are parallel to each other.
- Each of the first and second support rods 91 , 92 has an upper end portion 911 , 921 and a lower end portion 912 , 922 .
- the upper end portion 911 , 921 of each of the first and second support rods 91 , 92 is provided with a handle 914 , 924 , whereas the lower end portion 912 , 922 of each of the first and second support rods 91 , 92 is connected to a wheel assembly (not shown) of the stroller.
- the locking device 100 includes an elongated first bar 11 , an elongated second bar 12 , a sleeve 3 , and a control unit 4 .
- the first bar 11 has a first end 11 a connected pivotally to the lower end portion 912 of the first support rod 91 , and a second end 11 b opposite to the first end 11 a.
- the second bar 12 has a first end 12 a connected pivotally to the lower end portion 922 of the second support rod 92 , and a second end 12 b connected pivotally to the second end 11 b of the first bar 11 .
- the first and second bars 11 , 12 are movable relative to each other so as to be folded or unfolded.
- the second bar 12 further includes a limiting member 16 disposed on the second end 12 b of the second bar 12 .
- the first and second bars 11 , 12 are connected pivotally to each other through the limiting member 16 .
- the limiting member 16 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and is sleeved on the second bar 12 in an inverted manner so that an inner wall face 164 of the limiting member 16 projects from the second end 12 b of the second bar 12 to overlap the second end 11 b of the first bar 11 .
- the limiting member 16 has one end fixed immovably to the second bar 12 by a first pin 162 , and the other end connected pivotally to the second end 11 b of the first bar 11 by a second pin 163 .
- a cylindrical pedal block 168 projects outwardly from the limiting member 16 and transversely of the second bar 12 , and is fixed to the limiting member 16 by a third pin 161 .
- the limiting member 16 may be formed integrally with the second bar 12 because the limiting member 16 is not required to pivot relative to the second bar 12 , in which case, the pedal block 168 may be fixed to the second bar 12 instead of the limiting member 16 .
- the sleeve 3 is formed as a tubular member with a rectangular cross-section, and has two opposite first and second open ends 31 , 32 .
- the sleeve 3 is disposed slidably around the first bar 11 , and is movable for partial placement over a juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 when the bars 11 , 12 are unfolded so as to limit relative movement between the first and second bars 11 , 12 .
- the first open end 31 is proximate to the juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 .
- the sleeve 3 further includes a receiving groove 33 , a biasing unit 35 , and a rectangular slot 37 .
- the receiving groove 33 faces a front surface 110 of the first bar 11 , and is defined by an elongated wall projecting outwardly from a front wall of the sleeve 3 so that the front wall of the sleeve 3 is formed with an elongated protrusion.
- the biasing unit 35 is disposed in the receiving groove 33 , and normally biases the sleeve 3 to move toward the juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 in the absence of an external force.
- the biasing unit 35 is a helical spring, and has one end abutting against the wall defining the receiving groove 33 , and another end connected to the first bar 11 through a fourth pin 114 .
- the rectangular slot 37 is formed in a rear wall of the sleeve 3 opposite to the receiving groove 33 , and faces a rear surface 111 of the first bar 11 .
- the fourth pin 114 has one end extending through the first bar 11 , and the other end projecting outwardly from the slot 37 . Due to the slot 37 provided in the sleeve 3 , the sleeve 3 is able to freely slide along the first bar 11 without being hindered by the fourth pin 114 .
- the sleeve 3 further includes a first socket 38 which is provided adjacent to the second open end 32 of the sleeve 3 and distal from the second bar 12 , and a first lump 36 received in the first socket 38 .
- the control unit 4 includes a cable 14 , and a hand-operated mechanism.
- One end of the cable 14 is connected to the first lump 36 for pulling the sleeve 3 away from the juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 so that the first and second bars 11 , 12 can be folded.
- the hand-operated mechanism is mounted on the upper end portion 911 of the first support rod 91 , and includes a slide plate 43 , and a knob 45 .
- the slide plate 43 is inserted into the first support rod 91 , and has a second socket 431 , and a second lump 432 received in the second socket 431 .
- the cable 14 extends into the lower end portion 912 of the first support rod 91 via a through hole 915 , and then extends to the upper end portion 911 of the first support rod 91 to connect with the second lump 432 .
- the knob 45 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and is sleeved slidably around the first support rod 91 .
- the first support rod 91 further has a pair of aligned elongated guide slots 916 that extend substantially parallel to an axis of the first support rod 91 .
- the slide plate 43 is connected to the knob 45 through a fifth pin 41 that passes through a hole 451 at one side of the knob 45 , one of the guide slots 916 , the slide plate 43 , and extends out of the other one of the guide slots 916 .
- the end of the pin 41 is fitted into the other hole 451 in the other side of the knob 45 so that the knob 45 can move along the guide slots 916 .
- the slide plate 43 and the cable 14 move in unison with the knob 45 .
- a third bar 17 and a fourth bar 18 are provided above the first and second bars 11 , 12 in this embodiment.
- Each of the third and fourth bars 17 , 18 has one end connected pivotally to each other, and another end connected pivotally to a respective one of the first and second support rods 91 , 92 .
- the intersecting links 19 are pivoted to each other between the first and second support rods 91 , 92 .
- Each of the intersecting links 19 has one end connected pivotally to one of the first and second bars 11 , 12 , and another end connected pivotally to one of the third and fourth bars 17 , 18 .
- a retention unit is provided for limiting the sleeve 3 from moving toward the juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 after the sleeve 3 is pulled away from the juncture against biasing action of the biasing unit 35 .
- the retention unit includes an engaging member 39 which projects upwardly and integrally from the sleeve 3 , and a retaining piece 191 which protrudes outwardly from one of the intersecting links 19 .
- the engaging member 39 has a guide face 391 , and an engaging face 393 engageable with the retaining piece 191 .
- the retaining piece 191 is a plastic piece, and is fixed on said one of the intersecting links 19 by a pin (not shown).
- the frame 900 is first placed in an initial expanded position shown in FIG. 7 . This is accomplished, for example, by the user applying a force on the handles 914 , 924 .
- the user steps on the pedal block 168 of the limiting member 16 so as to move the first and second bars 11 , 12 downwardly.
- the first and second bars 11 , 12 are moved continuously until the second end 11 b of the first bar 11 engages the inner wall face 164 of the limiting member 16 .
- the first and second bars 11 , 12 are therefore prevented from pivoting further at this time.
- the first open end 31 of the sleeve 3 is biased by the biasing unit 35 to move to the juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 so that the first and second bars 11 , 12 are further restricted from pivoting relative to each other.
- the pedal block 168 is accidentally kicked, or otherwise struck by the user or an object, the frame 900 remains unfolded, thereby preventing inadvertent folding of the frame 900 .
- the first and second bars 11 , 12 are pulled apart to be converted from an inverted-V shape shown in FIG. 5 to a shape with a slight oblique angle formed therebetween as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the foldable frame 900 is converted from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 6 to the folded state shown in FIG. 5 .
- the user simply slides the knob 45 upwardly along the first support rod 91 so that the cable 14 pulls the sleeve 3 away from the juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 against the biasing action of the biasing unit 35 .
- the biasing unit 35 is compressed, and the guide face 391 of the engaging member 39 slides past the retaining piece 191 so that the engaging face 393 of the engaging member 39 can engage the retaining piece 191 (see FIG. 8 ), thereby preventing the sleeve 3 from moving back toward the juncture of the first and second bars 11 , 12 .
- the user releases his/her hold on the knob 45 , and then uses his/her foot to force upwardly the pedal block 168 so that the second end 11 b of the first bar 11 is disengaged from the inner wall face 164 of the limiting member 16 .
- the user then applies a force to the handles 914 , 924 in a direction toward each other such that the first and second bars. 11 , 12 , the third and fourth bars 17 , 18 , and the intersecting links 19 pivot relative to each other for folding, thereby bringing the foldable frame 900 to the folded state (see FIG. 5 ) and bringing the first and second support rods 91 , 92 proximate to each other.
- the locations of the engaging face 393 and the retaining piece 191 are changed so that the engaging face 393 can disengage from the retaining piece 191 .
- the sleeve 3 is biased by the biasing unit 35 to move toward and contact the limiting member 16 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a foldable frame, more particularly to a foldable frame with a locking device that can prevent inadvertent folding of the frame and that can be easily and safely operated so as to facilitate folding and unfolding of the frame.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A plurality of locking units have been developed to facilitate folding and unfolding of a frame body, such as that used for a table, a chair, an infant stroller, etc.
- In each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,765,645, 5,226,658, 5,845,925, and 6,422,586, there is disclosed a locking unit for a stroller. Each of the different constructions of the aforementioned locking units is complicated, unreliable, and even unsafe to use. Thus, there is a need to provide a foldable frame with a locking device which has a more simple and reliable structure.
- Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame with a locking device that is convenient and safe to use, and effective in operation.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame with a locking device that can prevent inadvertent folding of the frame.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a stroller which is safe and convenient to use.
- According to one aspect of this invention, a foldable frame comprises first and second support rods which are spaced apart from each other, a first bar having a first end connected pivotally to the first support rod and a second end opposite to the first end, a second bar having a first end connected pivotally to the second support rod and a second end connected pivotally to the second end of the first bar, a sleeve disposed slidably around the first bar, and a control unit. The first and second bars are connected pivotally to each other so as to be folded or unfolded. The sleeve is movable to a juncture of the first and second bars when the first and second bars are unfolded so as to limit relative movement between the first and second bars. The control unit has a cable connected to the sleeve for pulling the sleeve away from the juncture of the first and second bars so that the first and second bars can be folded.
- According to another aspect of this invention, a locking device is adapted to be mounted on a foldable frame which has first and second support rods. The locking device comprises a first bar having a first end adapted to be connected pivotally to the first support rod and a second end opposite to the first end, a second bar having a first end adapted to be connected pivotally to the second support rod and a second end connected pivotally to the second end of the first bar, a sleeve mounted slidably on the first bar, and a control unit. The first and second bars are movable relative to each other so as to be folded or unfolded. The sleeve is sleeved slidably on the first bar, and is capable of extending toward a juncture of the first and second bars when the first and second bars are unfolded so as to limit relative movement between the first and second bars. The control unit has a manually operable cable connected to the sleeve for pulling the sleeve away from the juncture of the first and second bars so that the first and second bars can be folded.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a foldable frame according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a locking device of the preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the locking device in an assembled state; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a control unit of the locking device; -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic view of the frame in a folded state; -
FIG. 6 is a view similar toFIG. 5 , but illustrating the frame in a fully unfolded state; -
FIG. 7 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 5 , but illustrating the frame in an initially expanded state; and -
FIG. 8 is a view similar toFIG. 5 , but illustrating a sleeve of the locking device in a state pulled away from a juncture of first and second bars. - Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a
foldable frame 900 is shown to comprise first andsecond support rods links 19, and incorporates alocking device 100 embodying the present invention. Thefoldable frame 900 exemplified in this embodiment is a foldable frame used in an infant stroller. However, the locking device of the present invention may also be used in a foldable frame for a table, a chair, a bed assembly, etc. - The first and
second support rods second support rods upper end portion lower end portion upper end portion second support rods handle lower end portion second support rods foldable frame 900 is unfolded, the first andsecond support rods foldable frame 900 is folded, the first andsecond support rods - The
locking device 100 includes an elongatedfirst bar 11, an elongatedsecond bar 12, asleeve 3, and acontrol unit 4. Thefirst bar 11 has a first end 11 a connected pivotally to thelower end portion 912 of thefirst support rod 91, and asecond end 11 b opposite to the first end 11 a. Thesecond bar 12 has afirst end 12 a connected pivotally to thelower end portion 922 of thesecond support rod 92, and asecond end 12 b connected pivotally to thesecond end 11 b of thefirst bar 11. The first andsecond bars - The
second bar 12 further includes a limitingmember 16 disposed on thesecond end 12 b of thesecond bar 12. In this embodiment, the first andsecond bars limiting member 16. The limitingmember 16 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and is sleeved on thesecond bar 12 in an inverted manner so that aninner wall face 164 of the limitingmember 16 projects from thesecond end 12 b of thesecond bar 12 to overlap thesecond end 11 b of thefirst bar 11. The limitingmember 16 has one end fixed immovably to thesecond bar 12 by afirst pin 162, and the other end connected pivotally to thesecond end 11 b of thefirst bar 11 by asecond pin 163. Acylindrical pedal block 168 projects outwardly from thelimiting member 16 and transversely of thesecond bar 12, and is fixed to the limitingmember 16 by athird pin 161. - When the first and
second bars inner wall face 164 of the limitingmember 16 engages thesecond end 11 b of thefirst bar 11, thereby limiting relative movement between the first andsecond bars - It is noted that the
limiting member 16 may be formed integrally with thesecond bar 12 because thelimiting member 16 is not required to pivot relative to thesecond bar 12, in which case, thepedal block 168 may be fixed to thesecond bar 12 instead of thelimiting member 16. - The
sleeve 3 is formed as a tubular member with a rectangular cross-section, and has two opposite first and secondopen ends sleeve 3 is disposed slidably around thefirst bar 11, and is movable for partial placement over a juncture of the first andsecond bars bars second bars open end 31 is proximate to the juncture of the first andsecond bars sleeve 3 further includes a receivinggroove 33, abiasing unit 35, and arectangular slot 37. Thereceiving groove 33 faces afront surface 110 of thefirst bar 11, and is defined by an elongated wall projecting outwardly from a front wall of thesleeve 3 so that the front wall of thesleeve 3 is formed with an elongated protrusion. Thebiasing unit 35 is disposed in thereceiving groove 33, and normally biases thesleeve 3 to move toward the juncture of the first andsecond bars biasing unit 35 is a helical spring, and has one end abutting against the wall defining the receivinggroove 33, and another end connected to thefirst bar 11 through afourth pin 114. - The
rectangular slot 37 is formed in a rear wall of thesleeve 3 opposite to thereceiving groove 33, and faces arear surface 111 of thefirst bar 11. Thefourth pin 114 has one end extending through thefirst bar 11, and the other end projecting outwardly from theslot 37. Due to theslot 37 provided in thesleeve 3, thesleeve 3 is able to freely slide along thefirst bar 11 without being hindered by thefourth pin 114. - The
sleeve 3 further includes afirst socket 38 which is provided adjacent to the secondopen end 32 of thesleeve 3 and distal from thesecond bar 12, and afirst lump 36 received in thefirst socket 38. - The
control unit 4 includes acable 14, and a hand-operated mechanism. One end of thecable 14 is connected to thefirst lump 36 for pulling thesleeve 3 away from the juncture of the first andsecond bars second bars upper end portion 911 of thefirst support rod 91, and includes aslide plate 43, and aknob 45. Theslide plate 43 is inserted into thefirst support rod 91, and has asecond socket 431, and asecond lump 432 received in thesecond socket 431. Thecable 14 extends into thelower end portion 912 of thefirst support rod 91 via a throughhole 915, and then extends to theupper end portion 911 of thefirst support rod 91 to connect with thesecond lump 432. - The
knob 45 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and is sleeved slidably around thefirst support rod 91. Thefirst support rod 91 further has a pair of alignedelongated guide slots 916 that extend substantially parallel to an axis of thefirst support rod 91. Theslide plate 43 is connected to theknob 45 through afifth pin 41 that passes through ahole 451 at one side of theknob 45, one of theguide slots 916, theslide plate 43, and extends out of the other one of theguide slots 916. The end of thepin 41 is fitted into theother hole 451 in the other side of theknob 45 so that theknob 45 can move along theguide slots 916. When theknob 45 is moved, theslide plate 43 and thecable 14 move in unison with theknob 45. - A
third bar 17 and afourth bar 18 are provided above the first andsecond bars fourth bars second support rods - The intersecting links 19 are pivoted to each other between the first and
second support rods second bars fourth bars - A retention unit is provided for limiting the
sleeve 3 from moving toward the juncture of the first andsecond bars sleeve 3 is pulled away from the juncture against biasing action of the biasingunit 35. The retention unit includes an engagingmember 39 which projects upwardly and integrally from thesleeve 3, and aretaining piece 191 which protrudes outwardly from one of the intersectinglinks 19. The engagingmember 39 has aguide face 391, and anengaging face 393 engageable with the retainingpiece 191. In this embodiment, the retainingpiece 191 is a plastic piece, and is fixed on said one of the intersecting links 19 by a pin (not shown). - Referring to
FIG. 5 , when the stroller is to be used, that is, when thefoldable frame 900 is to be converted from a folded state shown inFIG. 5 to an unfolded state shown inFIG. 6 , theframe 900 is first placed in an initial expanded position shown inFIG. 7 . This is accomplished, for example, by the user applying a force on thehandles pedal block 168 of the limitingmember 16 so as to move the first andsecond bars second bars second end 11 b of thefirst bar 11 engages theinner wall face 164 of the limitingmember 16. The first andsecond bars - When the first and
second bars open end 31 of thesleeve 3 is biased by the biasingunit 35 to move to the juncture of the first andsecond bars second bars pedal block 168 is accidentally kicked, or otherwise struck by the user or an object, theframe 900 remains unfolded, thereby preventing inadvertent folding of theframe 900. - During unfolding of the
frame 900, the first andsecond bars FIG. 5 to a shape with a slight oblique angle formed therebetween as shown inFIG. 6 . - When it is desired to store the stroller, the
foldable frame 900 is converted from the unfolded state shown inFIG. 6 to the folded state shown inFIG. 5 . To perform this operation, the user simply slides theknob 45 upwardly along thefirst support rod 91 so that thecable 14 pulls thesleeve 3 away from the juncture of the first andsecond bars unit 35. At this time, the biasingunit 35 is compressed, and theguide face 391 of the engagingmember 39 slides past the retainingpiece 191 so that the engagingface 393 of the engagingmember 39 can engage the retaining piece 191 (seeFIG. 8 ), thereby preventing thesleeve 3 from moving back toward the juncture of the first andsecond bars - After the
engaging face 393 of the engagingmember 39 engages the retainingpiece 191, the user releases his/her hold on theknob 45, and then uses his/her foot to force upwardly thepedal block 168 so that thesecond end 11 b of thefirst bar 11 is disengaged from theinner wall face 164 of the limitingmember 16. The user then applies a force to thehandles fourth bars foldable frame 900 to the folded state (seeFIG. 5 ) and bringing the first andsecond support rods - It should be noted that during folding of the
foldable frame 900, the locations of theengaging face 393 and the retainingpiece 191 are changed so that the engagingface 393 can disengage from the retainingpiece 191. As a result, thesleeve 3 is biased by the biasingunit 35 to move toward and contact the limitingmember 16. - While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/972,330 US7267358B2 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2004-10-26 | Foldable frame with a locking device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/972,330 US7267358B2 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2004-10-26 | Foldable frame with a locking device |
Publications (2)
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US20060088368A1 true US20060088368A1 (en) | 2006-04-27 |
US7267358B2 US7267358B2 (en) | 2007-09-11 |
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US10/972,330 Active 2025-09-05 US7267358B2 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2004-10-26 | Foldable frame with a locking device |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20080143082A1 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2008-06-19 | Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd. | Frame assembly for double-seat baby stroller |
EP2565101A3 (en) * | 2011-09-05 | 2014-10-08 | Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited | Collapsible child carrier apparatus |
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EP2565101A3 (en) * | 2011-09-05 | 2014-10-08 | Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited | Collapsible child carrier apparatus |
US8936267B2 (en) | 2011-09-05 | 2015-01-20 | Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited | Collapsible child carrier apparatus |
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